LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan
Lodge No. 41, F. & A.M. upon the occasion of celebrating its 200th Anni-
versary on October 30, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan Lodge No. 41 upon the occasion of
celebrating its 200th Anniversary with an Open Meeting followed by a
Luncheon to be held at the Temple on Saturday, October 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.) are the oldest
fraternal organization in the world dating back approximately 3,000
years; and
WHEREAS, The original charter for the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan
Lodge No. 41, F. & A.M. was granted on November 27, 1813; Dewitt Clin-
ton, who at the time was Governor of the State of New York, proudly
served as the Grand Master; and
WHEREAS, The original Moravia Masonic Temple, made up of 13 members,
was occupied for the first 62 years; as Moravia flourished and grew, so
did the Sylvan Lodge No. 41; in September of 1876, work began on the new
Temple to fit the growing needs of its community; one year later, the
Lodges new home was complete; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, the new Moravia Masonic Temple was destroyed
by fire on July 30, 1907; nevertheless, the great fortitude and determi-
nation of the brotherhood of Masons could not be diminished; subsequent-
ly, on October 5, 1909, the Temple was rebuilt and today stands on its
present home on Main Street in Moravia, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan Lodge No. 41 is currently
under the able leadership of four members selected to serve as District
Deputy Grand Masters: R.W. Fred B. Heald, R.W. William Fitts, R.W. Ralph
Harter and R.W. Harold Banks; in addition W. Bro. Henry Ellis held the
esteemed position of Assistant Grand Lecturer; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Moravia Masonic Temple can boast a grand total of
193 members; as its membership thrives so does the noble brotherhood and
celebrated success of Freemasonry; and
WHEREAS, The many accomplishments of the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan
Lodge No. 41 is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impres-
sive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard
of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the Lodge and the population
it serves; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan Lodge No. 41, past and
present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the
quality of life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan Lodge No. 41, F. & A.M. upon
the occasion of celebrating its 200th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Moravia Masonic Temple Sylvan Lodge No. 41, F. & A.M.